Intel postpone 25nm SSDs to February 2011

Intel has started mass production of its new NAND flash circuits with 25nm technology, which will lead to substantially higher storage capacities. We now have reliable information that points to that 25nm products will not appear before February 2011, but in large quantities.

When chip giant Intel launched the second generation SSDs in 2009 the demand outpaced the supply long into 2010. The good news is that Intel does not intend to make the same mistake with its third generation SSDs. As we’ve mentioned in the past it has already started manufacturing NAND flash circuits with 25nm technology and with good yields supply should cover the demand at launch.

Intel’s first SSDs with 25nm technology was expected to arrive in late 2010, but according to new information supplied to NordicHardware we will only see a refresh of Postville with a new 120GB model in the retail series X-25M, still using 34nm chips and G2 controller. The market adjusted capacity is the big news. Performance will not be changed from current G2 models.

Intel’s G3 series of SSDs is not expected to hit stores until February, but will bring noticably better performance then. This has been prioritized by Intel accourding to our source. With competitive performance on most fronts, and better availability this looks like one interesting launch.

Unfortunately we will have to wait longer before Intel actually launches the drives, but that also gives us some more time to dig up more detailed information on the performance and specifications.

It might be worth mentioning that other companies have shown SSDs with Intel’s new 25nm NAND flash circuits. It is highlyunlikely that any of these can, or are allowed, to launch SSDs with circuits from Intel before Intel can start shipping its G3 series. This is just a qualified speculation on our behalf.